Cheshire East Council has announced that its wellbeing team has won a national award for green space work.
Following their work on the enhancement of Queens Park, the council’s Green Spaces for Wellbeing team has won the ‘Best Health Initiative’ Award at the Best of the Best Awards.
The work at Queens Park has been part of a social prescribing programme with partnerships between Cheshire East Council, the NHS and the voluntary sector, as well as other supporting organisations. By enhancing the park, the project works to improve the health and wellbeing of communities, whilst reducing inequalities.
Chairperson of the Adults and Health Committee at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Jill Rhodes, commented:
“I'm absolutely thrilled that the Green Spaces for Wellbeing programme has been recognised with a 'Best of the Best' award from Keep Britain Tidy. This award is a fantastic testament to the hard work and dedication of Ansa Environmental Services, Cheshire East Council, the NHS, Everybody Health and Leisure, and all the volunteers involved.
“This innovative programme not only protects and enhances our local parks, but also plays a crucial role in improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. By offering nature-based activities as part of a social prescribing initiative, Green Spaces for Wellbeing provides a valuable resource for those struggling with mental or physical health challenges.
“This award win highlights the power of green spaces in fostering community cohesion and encouraging healthy lifestyles. It's inspiring to see our parks being used as a natural tool for healing, and I'm committed to supporting this fantastic programme as it continues to make a positive impact on the lives of people across Cheshire East."
The programme follows the NHS’s five steps towards health and wellbeing, with participants being offered a fully funded 12-week programme of nature-based activities that suit their interests. This will help to instil new relationships between participants and nature to encourage nature as a way of approaching health and wellbeing.
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